Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared visibly emotional on Saturday morning as he confirmed the death of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman in what is being investigated as a ‘politically motivated assassination.’
Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot after a gunman—posing as a police officer—arrived at their home in Brooklyn Park around 3:35 a.m. on Saturday.
State Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times at their residence in Champlin. Both remain in critical condition.
Speaking at a news conference held just hours after the ‘targeted’ attacks, Governor Tim Walz became visibly emotional as he mourned the loss of his colleague, Melissa Hortman, calling the incident an ‘unspeakable tragedy.’
“Our state lost a remarkable leader, and I lost a dear friend,” Walz said solemnly. “Speaker Hortman served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and an unwavering commitment to public service.”
He continued, “She was a formidable presence in public life—a true giant in Minnesota politics. Every day, she worked to make this state better.”
“Her absence is deeply felt, and she is truly irreplaceable,” he added. “She will be missed by so many.”
Walz also addressed the condition of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, noting that both sustained multiple gunshot wounds but were still alive following surgery as of Saturday morning.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (pictured) appeared visibly emotional Saturday morning as he announced the death of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman, describing the incident as a likely ‘politically motivated assassination.’
Hortman (pictured) and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot after a gunman posing as a police officer arrived at their Brooklyn Park residence around 3:35 a.m. on Saturday.
“We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Governor Tim Walz said during the press conference.
Walz emphasized that the attack appears to be politically motivated, stressing that civil discourse remains the cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
“We must all—here in Minnesota and across the nation—stand united against all forms of political violence,” he urged.
“This horrific act should serve as a stark reminder that democracy, and the debates held in Congress, state legislatures, and even school boards, are meant to resolve our differences peacefully and help society move forward,” he added.
“I assure you, those responsible will be brought to justice. Each of us is committed to ensuring that a tragedy like this never happens again, not in Minnesota and not anywhere in this country.”
At the Saturday morning briefing, officials revealed they are investigating the possibility that multiple shooters may have been involved. As of now, no suspects are in custody.
An extensive manhunt has been launched, involving local police, sheriff’s departments, and the FBI. Authorities have warned the public that more than one gunman may still be at large.
The neighborhood where the Hortmans lived—bordering the Edinburgh Golf Course—remains eerily quiet in the aftermath of the violence. Normally busy shopping centers nearby have shut down, according to The New York Times.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley stated that the suspect’s vehicle contained a “manifesto” and a list of intended targets, which included both lawmakers.
At a news conference held just hours after the ‘targeted’ attacks, Walz (pictured) became emotional as he spoke about the loss of his colleague, Melissa Hortman, describing it as an ‘unspeakable tragedy.’
A sign in the window of Festival Foods grocery store reads, “Closed (due to lockdown),” as officials continue urging residents to stay indoors.
The first shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. at Senator Hoffman’s home in Champlin, about 20 miles from Minneapolis. Hoffman and his wife were both shot multiple times, KSTP reported.
The second attack happened around 4 a.m. at former House Speaker Hortman’s residence in Brooklyn Park, located eight miles south.
Following the second shooting, police engaged in a gunfight with one of the suspects on the street, officials said.
However, Minnesota authorities acknowledged that the gunman who killed Hortman and her husband managed to escape despite the firefight immediately after the murders.
“The individual was able to escape during that exchange of gunfire,” Drew Evans, head of the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told The New York Times.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley revealed that the suspect’s vehicle contained a “manifesto” and a list of targets, which included both lawmakers, according to The New York Times.
Authorities believe the two shootings are linked and involve a suspect impersonating law enforcement.
Local police, sheriff’s deputies, and the FBI have launched an extensive manhunt, with authorities warning that multiple gunmen may still be at large.
The home of Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota
The neighborhood where the Hortmans lived—surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course—has reportedly fallen eerily silent since the shootings, with usually busy shopping centers remaining closed.
Governor Walz first addressed the unfolding situation on social media, condemning the ‘targeted attacks’ and announcing the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center as police launched an urgent manhunt.
“I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park,” Walz wrote on X. “I’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.”
Police described the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
At approximately 5:30 a.m., Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order, later expanding it to cover a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.
Another emergency alert went out around 7 a.m., instructing residents to only open their doors if two officers are present and to call 911 to verify any officer’s identity.
“Police are searching for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous,” the alert warned. “The suspect is a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants, and may impersonate law enforcement.”
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with Brooklyn Park serving as the lead agency.
The first shooting took place shortly after 2 a.m. at Hoffman’s home in Champlin, roughly 20 miles from Minneapolis. Both Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times.
The second incident occurred about eight miles south at a Brooklyn Park residence, reportedly belonging to Hortman, who has held the position since January 2023. (pictured: A heavy police presence outside the Brooklyn Park home on Saturday morning)
At approximately 5:30 a.m., Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order (pictured), which was later expanded to cover a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.
Several government officials took to social media to express their reactions and provide updates on the ongoing situation.
President Donald Trump described the shooting as “terrible” in a statement, stressing that federal authorities would prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers,” Trump said in a statement shared on X by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” he added. “God bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom wrote on X, “I’m just learning about last night’s events after receiving a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we’d be here.”
“I cannot stress enough that this is not okay,” he continued. “Any violence against elected officials is unacceptable. Any violence against others is unacceptable.”
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, now head of the national gun violence prevention group GIFFORDS, said in a Saturday statement that she is “horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants.”
“My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack on lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself,” said Giffords, who was among 13 people wounded in a 2011 shooting at an Arizona supermarket parking lot.
All Brooklyn Park police officers are working in pairs today, ensuring that no officer approaches a home alone while conducting neighborhood investigations.
Residents of Brooklyn Park are urged to remain indoors, according to the city’s police chief. If an officer comes to your door, residents are advised to call 911 to verify the officer’s identity.
Federal officials are supporting local authorities in the extensive manhunt, gathering evidence to help apprehend the suspect still at large.
“Leaders must speak out and condemn the rising violent extremism that threatens the very values this country stands for,” she added.
Brooklyn Park’s police chief urged residents to remain inside their homes. He advised that if a police officer comes to your door, you should call 911 to verify the officer’s identity.
All Brooklyn Park police officers are working in pairs today, ensuring no officer approaches a home alone during the investigation.
Federal agents continue to assist in the search, focusing on collecting crucial evidence to track down the fleeing suspect.
